?Chapter 1100:

    With the conversation at a dead end, Gracie’s spirits took a dive. Still, she understood she had no real power to argue her case.

    Just then, her phone buzzed. She nced down to see Elsa’s name shing on the screen. After answering the video call, she made sure Ethan was also visible on camera.

    Ethan, uninterested in chatting with Elsa, quietly returned to his desk.

    Gracie put on a joyful expression and said, “Hi, Mrs. Mitchell! How’s your mother doing today?”

    Elsa was by Belen’s side in the hospital room, looking after her as she recovered from a painful pelvic injury that left her unable to sit up. Gently, she helped Belen eat.

    Spotting Ethan in the background, Belen called out, “Ethan, why haven’t you visited me recently?”

    Sickness had left Belen feeling even more delicate than usual, and her patience for Ethan’s packed schedule had worn thin.

    Ethan set aside his work and walked over. “Grandma, I’ll stop by after I’m done here, probably around noon. Is there anything special you’d like for lunch? I’ll bring it to you.”

    Belen’s mood brightened right away. “That’s what I wanted to hear! Could you pick up two orders of pasta from my favorite restaurant for me?”

    Ethan let out a softugh. “Of course, Grandma. I will make sure to bring it to you. Take care.”

    Elsa fixed Ethan with a pointed look. “Are you ready to leave already? You barely spoke with your grandmother. Are you really that busy? Don’t even think about leaving yet. Look at Gracie; she was here all day yesterday, keeping your grandmother entertained. And here you are, her own grandson, acting like your job is all that matters. Tell me, does making money reallye before your family in your eyes?”

    Elsa made a show of praising Gracie, hoping Ethan would finally notice the patience and warmth Gracie showed his family—qualities she thought made Gracie an ideal partner.

    Ethan barely gave it any thought. It never urred to him that Gracie had chosen to help out of kindness for Elsa and Belen. In his mind, he believed his mother had simply pressured Gracie into going to the hospital.

    “Mom, Gracie’s got her own responsibilities. She’s a vice president here, not part of our family. Why did you drag her to the hospital? She’s got enough on her te,” Ethan replied, his voice steady but with a trace of criticism.

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    Gracie quickly said, “Oh, I went there because I wanted to. Your grandmother has been feeling down, and I just wanted to keep herpany. When my dad was ill, I did the same thing for him, so I know how much it helps. Honestly, your mother and grandmother are like family to me now. It’s really no trouble at all, Ethan. I’ll go spend time with your grandmother since I’m not swamped with work at the moment.”

    A pleased smile spread across Elsa’s face after hearing Gracie’s words.

    She said, “Just look at how she treats your grandmother! Sometimes, I think she’s more considerate to her than you ever were. Money’s always on your mind, but you need to remember how much your grandmother cared for you when you were little. Promise me you’lle here at noon and spend some time with her.”

    Ethan found himself out of arguments. Any other day, he might have pushed back, but with Belen in the mix, he couldn’t bring himself to say no. For now, he just went along with whatever Elsa wanted.

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